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Over a period of six months in 2002, the DDA partnered with Michigan State University to participate in the “Small Town Design Initiative” (STDI). The STDI assisted the community in developing an image and character for the downtown area. A visioning process was initiated to enable the citizens of South Haven to express their thoughts about the community and its downtown. The study addressed the downtown area along Phoenix Street from approximately Broadway to Kalamazoo, including adjacent city parking lots and side streets. In addition, entrances to the community were considered, both via the interstate and city streets, and by water from Lake Michigan.
The Findings:
The goal of the process was to convert ideas and images that the citizens of South Haven communicated verbally, into a series of sketches that graphically conveyed the desired visual character and image for the downtown and related areas. Although the specific images are included in the link at the bottom of the page, a summary of key findings is included here:
1. The visual impact of the existing signs, streetscape, city logo, parking areas, and landscape in general convey a tired and dated image. The outstanding qualities of the existing buildings and presence of Lake Michigan and related water bodies are not being taken advantage of. The net result is that the downtown and its entrances do not convey a positive and welcoming feeling. Major changes must be made to improve the physical quality of the landscape, streetscape, parking lots, and community entrances. South Haven's citizens, businesses, visitors, and potential new enterprises deserve and expect more. Other communities have already done so or are in the process of making significant improvements.
2. The Small Town Design Initiative strongly urges that a bold approach be taken. Be bold - "make ye no little plans."
3. The downtown image of South Haven is not restricted to the Central Business District. Improvements must be made at the South Haven exits to the interstate, major crossing streets as one approaches the downtown, and also the waterway leading toward the downtown from Lake Michigan. This must all be coordinated and convey a unified image.
4. The parking lots, back alleys, and side streets within the CBD all need to be addressed in making physical improvements to the landscape. The entire area needs to evolve over time into a vibrant core, not just Phoenix Street.
5. More visual and pedestrian access to the water should be made north of the downtown area.
6. The building facades should revert to an era that is reflected by the current Clementine's Restaurant. Building owners should be encouraged to restore or re-facade their structures, perhaps utilizing the DDA Facade Program.
The recommendations of the downtown visioning and imaging study provide a character and direction for further development. Much input and discussion by South Haven's citizens helped to guide the images presented in this report. Now is the time to move forward on improving the visual quality of downtown South Haven and its environs.